The String that Vibrates: Remembering Bro Charles

An accomplished pianist; a linguist speaking fluent Bahasa Malaysia, English, German, French and Mandarin; a teacher, mathematician, a friend and an administrator all rolled into one...

-Ng Soon Hong, Brother Charles Wolfe FSC - Remembering an old teacher

That describes Charles Levin @ Karl Wolff, or simply, Brother Charles to us Xaverians. Words will always remain words and the parturition of memory usually overwhelms the writer – in significance, pleasantness – more than the reader.

Those, like me, started studying in SXI in the late 90s would remember Bro. Charles as the "German brother who speaks fluent Malay". There was this one time when he came by the class to inform us of his new German lessons and that he's accepting students. Surely, most of us were more impressed by how excited he was about the lessons and the pluses of learning German than the prospect of having to be at school earlier in the morning. Had I taken up the offer...

Another encounter with the man was on a Friday right after the school assembly. He rounded a few of us and led us to the Palm Court and around the basketball court area – a saw in hand – to help carry [and discard] palm fronds! He'd stop and tell us stories about gardening, the traveller's palm, and how to maintain them. No hurry but eager to impart what he knows.

Somehow I felt I had to thank him for all that he had done over the years for the school, for his zealous commitment to the cause of education for all, for his selfless dedication. I shook his hand and he clasped mine and I said simply, “Thank you, Brother, for all that you have done for us.”

-Anil Netto, SXI: Brother Charle Levin's Legacy

Of course, I couldn't give a more glowing valediction like some of the students he formally taught. But the grief from man's passing is shared by members of the La Sallian/Xaverian family.

Whether we laugh or cry, occasions like this creates a buzz in us all. And it tells us that we're connected: this one school, many great teachers-and-friend, fondest of memories; all involved in shaping us.

You have taught us well.

Thank you, Brother.
   

Tak Pernah Berubah

Tempted to make a post in Malay but decided to hold off until later.

Tak Pernah Berubah, the title of the song by Suki Low (of One in a Million fame if you didn't already know). YouTube video of the song at the end of the post. Not sure if it's just me or there's really a hint of, for lack of a better word, poignancy throughout the song but relaxing nonetheless.

Never Did Change. I reckon that to be the correct translation. And I'd like to think that I never did change too; well, not over to the dark side that is. My view of the local academia remains: that a good percentage of them are selfish and avaricious people seeking office and high praises. But try forcing them back to reality and you'll see a showcase of 'faux intelligence'. In any case, I'll be facing this bunch of people in my thesis defence on September 3. Can hardly wait!

Anyway, I'm quite certain that I can finish the slides before Kak Mimi's engagement on the third day of Aidilfitri. Events such as this do make all the slogging worthwhile. After the defence, I'll look forward to Asyura's wedding on the 16th.

Yours truly with Syura and Kak Mimi. Note: this is 3 years old so what you see ain't what you'll get

Thereafter, interview by for a job with the Ministry of Health (nice way of saying government hospitals/public laboratories) in October. Lastly, a project report at Universiti Malaya in November organized by the Malaysia Toray Science Foundation.

For a moment, it's only natural to think that we have everything drawn out. Plan all we want but it's foolish to be too certain of anything that will happen in the future. The one who trusts in him-/herself will scoff at the notion that nothing is ever certain – or at the idea of a sovereign being – and human knowledge trumps everything.

James reminds that "you do not know what tomorrow will bring". And asks, "What is your life?" (James 4:13-17). Taken out of context, mockers will only be happy to say that it's the slogan of the unambitious. Oh well, I'll be the judge of that.

Women,

John Lennon "stole" my words. *winks*

Love this animated GIF (found here)

Woman I can hardly express
My mixed emotions at my thoughtlessness
After all I'm forever in your debt
And woman I will try to express
My inner feelings and thankfulness
For showing me the meaning of success
   

Y2K 11-10

The Sturm und Drang of Occupied October
Should cause casual commoners like me to quiver
A nascent ripple waxing by the day
Swinging out in every cardinal point and Rome burns today

Oddly, there prevails a state of uncanny equanimity
Permeating the noetic sphere called the mental faculty
From the placidity burst forth the brilliant flashes
It becomes hard to secern excitement from madness

Day 3 if cogitation and getting nowhere
There’s got to be an answer somewhere, but where?
I’m stuck between that man-wrought cave of utter despair
and that doggone whirlpool of delusion and certain snare

The sum of 2 and 2
Summed up the world rotten through and through
I’m not without aspiration nor expiration
And can only hope to emerge unscathed from adulteration

One bittersweet summer repleted by burnt butterscotch
Dwindled away to the cold, carved pumpkins at the porch
The frost of Shackleton’s time will soon gnaw
at our extremities whilst we await the first snowfall.
  

The Sum of...

I like the part when he went:

You can count on me like one, two, three
I'll be there and I know when I need it
I can count on you like four, three, two
And you'll be there 'cause that's what friends
Are supposed to do...

Saw that [shared] on Facebook for the second time now and I must say that it’s really sweet what they did (using Flash?). Good to know that there’s still a song written about friendship. For me, it’s nice to listen to this one and putting away – for a little while – those lovey-dovey, queasy-cheesy lyrics chronicling the passion between two souls.

Ok, I exaggerated. If the songs are in my playlist then they’re all hunky-dory. Not too much, not too scarce, just Julian-ish.

August 1. Dang!

 

Life in 23.976 FPS

Faster or slower depending on your gadget. But we're not discussing frame rates here. I can't think of a better title so I figured 23.976 frames per second (on NTSC) would do. Jubilee Project and Wong Fu Productions both make good videos and that actually reminded me of my days before Youtube became so popular. Way back when I'd download files at 3KB/s on a dial-up. It's only the television then.

Mention the name Yasmin Ahmad and I can guarantee you that the first response would be something like, "Oh, the late Yasmin Ahmad. I will miss her great TV commercials!" Yes, her TVCs are that good. I remember the few times when the ads were too much for me.

To put it simply and understate the messages contained inside, they speak out against racism and they show the relationship between people; devoid of rhetorics and superfluous embellishments, both of which are hallmarks of a politician's speech.

I have a folder full of her videos and I'm randomly picking one from Youtube to put it here (search with words like "Petronas", "Yasmin Ahmad"). One thing's for sure, major celebrations like National Day, Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and Deepavali will remind us all of the time when we shed a tear each time the commercials air. And we looked forward for more.

Who'd forget the National Day ad about the three friends who were stung by wasp and accompanied one of them for his circumcision? Or my favourite about how a couple gets all impatient with the invalid man only to learn that their actions are being impressed upon their kids. And oh, she makes good films too. I love Muallaf.

Alright, time to get some shut-eye.

Stalking to Know You

A play on the title of the song Getting to Know You from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical, The King and I. Well, I love going from one blog to the other and reading what people write. You’d be surprised that you’re able to learn about that person simply by looking at the style of writing and the tone thereof.

Whether it’s a friend’s or a stranger’s, I do get inspired sometimes. And those were uplifting moments. But then, am I a stalker just by doing that? I’d ask if I want to know but who’s there to answer it? Would you simply open up to a stranger? It’s difficult sometimes when others take your motives the wrong way.

Here are some things worth reproducing by a friend who uses MS Paint, mind you. Click on image to enlarge.

Future. (from shwann: anything and everything)


Kung Fu (from shwann: anything and everything)


Yours truly. Dang! This one looks like it's painted halfheartedly


I Miss You. Missing Me. (from shwann: anything and everything)

Shall we all now sing to the tune of Getting to Know You?

:

Getting to know you,
Getting to know all about you.
Getting to like you,
Getting to hope you like me.

Getting to know you,
Putting it my way,
But nicely,
You are precisely,
My cup of tea.
:

For the clip, please click HERE.

Cheers on a Friday night. Back to blog-hopping.

Celebrity Apprentice: Giving All You Can Give

The show's just ended days ago (I know I'm late *smiles*) and I enjoyed the finale as much as I did the whole season. Finalists Marlee Matlin and John Rich played for the Starkey Hearing Foundation and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital respectively.

Have a look at their charities and the "world premiere" of For The Kids. Nice.

Edit: The processed videos aren't that crisp compared to the ones in AVI format I have in my computer. Too bad.

Marlee Matlin - Starkey Hearing Foundation




John Rich - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital




Marlee Matlin & John Rich - For The Kids

Chirps

Julian Chin Джулиан wonders why most people tend to seek [perceived] gold elsewhere when there's abundant at home

Some minutes ago      Comment     Like

And I forgot to note that Avatar, albeit predictable, is one of the best movies I've watched in 2009. And I'm too lazy to compose an article with orange-gold-yellow coloured fonts. It's been a long time since I let my creative part take over, à la Jake Sulley (pronounced the Na'vi way).

Farewell, Yasmin Ahmad. Rest in Peace

"...famed for her advertisements and films capturing the essence of racial harmony in Malaysia"

How true! The most memorable movie, for me, would be Sepet. Of course, weeks ago, my lab mates and I sat down in a circle and started discussing adverts: humorous and meaningful ones. Apart from the yellow Digi man, the memorable ones would be those by Yasmin Ahmad. Come Hari Raya (the Eid), Chinese New Year and Deepavali, one could expect to catch her latest brainchild. People remember Petronas for the adverts but not everyone knew the person behind them.

Like MJ's passing, her's was another shock to me. I was out of the house for the past 24 hours and here I am going online to see what's new. Wham! It hit me.

And I began to think how crappy life could be sometimes. The unseen at the next bend, the unexpected at the next mile. How is it that corrupt politicians and communal bigots don't just fall one after another? Unfair? Perhaps.

...Yasmin's theme of 1Malaysia which is only advocated by our prime minister recently has been in her movies and commercials for a long time...

- CHU SP, Tributes forYasmin Ahmad, The Star Online

Yasmin, may God bless your soul. I may not know you personally but it's a sad day for me and fellow Malaysians. You spoke to us through the silver screen. Some are touching and others cut through into the spirit. Each taught me what it means to be a human, as opposed to an island. And that no one is superior to the other.


Tributes here... Reading each one brought back memories and the lessons.
Another here: Rest in Peace Yasmin Ahmad - Khalisah Stevens

Come hither, shadows from the yonder

The last gasoline lamp is dimmed for the night. A shadow is dancing in the kitchen, given life by the flickering candle. Wayne walked coolly towards the swing door, past some cigarette stubs and blotches of dried ale and spilled beer. Dull thuds are heard from the kitchen, washed mugs placed atop some wooden surface.

He sat below the swing door just behind a worn rocking chair. He scribbled on the dust covered wooden panel. Still quiet like he has always been, save for some occasional utterance. The moonlight showers him and casts a long shadow behind him. The air is still and dry, typical of the West. It's only going to get colder as the night progresses.

Sometimes he'd just lay there and fell asleep. On other nights, he'd stare intently into the distance - a dark void in the dead of the night. He has better vision than most inhabitants of the small town. Sometimes, he moonlights as an astronomer under the moonlight but he couldn't make out the shapes in the dark expanse above.

Many hours ago, the place was alive with gleeful chatters from the customers and occasional roars from boisterous miners. He'd find comfort amidst the hubbub. When the last light is snuffed out, then loneliness creeps in. It's almost a routine.

Yet, faithful Wayne continues waiting. Expecting. Hoping. Patiently. No one asks why. No one bothers to. Some sensitive souls would stop, observe and tried to make out his mind. Then they'd go on with their business. Tonight, like any other nights, Wayne sat there. Scanning around and observing the wood grains on the swing door and then shifts his attention towards the dark horizon in front. Soon, it'll explode into a vivid orange fireball but for now he'd just relish his quiet moments alone.

Around his neck is a pendant inscribed with: John. And beneath it: the observer. He licks his paws and swings his tail. And he waits.

Life in Motion: The Types of People I Love

The flight took off after a 30-minute delay. With each passing seconds, the white tension fabric roof of the airport shrink into a mass without definable shapes. I could no longer make out each of the pointed cone-like structures. A moment ago, it was a unique architecture to behold. The golden rays cast an orangey hue to what appears like a snow-capped mountain peaks at dawn and dusk.

"I'd visit the Rockies next time", I thought to myself.


Time to plug the earphones in. The in-flight entertainment in this craft doesn't come with the AVOD, just a simple music selection when you plug the airline-issued headphone into the jack at the armrest. My own list of music would sound better and definitely more entertaining than the movie being shown now, the one I've seen for a few times now. Though not the noise-cancelling type, the rather costly earphone plugged into my ears is serving me well. The cabin sound quickly become a white noise. First two on the list are scores from the anime Blood+, composed by Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer. Next comes the song Diva by Elin Carlson, written and produced by Mancina. Piano, guitar, and drum form the majority of intruments heard in the songs played. Some slow and some fast, with an addictive beat. Eyes closed but I'm enjoying every moment of it. The melodies and sound made by traditional instruments did transport me back in time too.

These people, the musicians, especially those who make a living but may not necessarily make it big, are those I hold in high regards and with utmost respect. These folks create some of the best tunes and melodies we've heard all our lives. To pass a slighting remark on musicians is unforgivable. I will not turn away or lose interest just because musicians don't earn four to five figures a month. I remembered how these gifted individuals serenaded the guests at my convocation barely a year ago. The ensemble may not be the best of the world but it certainly is a level above everyone in that hall. Without such people, wouldn't life be a boring and mundane affair? Living each day void of music would be unimaginably difficult. Since I don't play any instruments, I'd take the role of an audience, appreciating the music. The music continues and the voices of K, Kanon, Angela Aki, Watanabe Manami of Jyukai, as well as the noteworthy voice of Hajime Chitose, one with a falsetto effect, continues to lull me. The faster ones like Mai Mirai and Kyuukei Jikan Juppun by Saeka Uura add a vibrant touch and provided an uplifting mood to an otherwise dull and somewhat turbulent journey. Then comes the ballads, in Mandarin, Malay, English, and even Spanish. Wonderfully composed; meaningful words structured to blend harmoniously with the message of the song. Gosh, creative people!

"Excuse me, Miss", I called out to the air hostess after she attended to the passenger in front. "Could I have a slice of lemon please?"

"A moment, sir."

I looked out through the arcylic glass and it's already dark, occasionally lighted by flashes of lightning.

She returned with two slices of lemon, "Here you go".

Her face resembled that of Kitahara Aiko, the girl singing Sekaijuu doko wo sagashitemo, now playing halfway through the 3:22 duration.

"Anything else, sir?"

Realizing I've been staring at her, smiling. "Err, no. Thank you very much."

"You're welcome. We'd serve you ginger tea for dinner later", she said before walking away.

Another 16 hours of flying and I have about twice the playing time, well, as claimed by Apple. For now, I'd continue sucking the lemon slices and let the music do its wonders. Fantastic people, creative and gifted. I was envious but now, I'm full of admiration and occasionally, I'd perform with them, imaginarily that is.

Silver Screen of Life

We were in Paris where Ratatouille cooks
And then across 16 Blocks to evade crooks
We then jumped upon Jack Bauer in Mirrors
And thence partaking in a Coffin ritual that gave us shivers

All is well and we travelled to Madagascar too
Many more were planned but now flushed down the loo
It'd be some time before we travel
Or maybe never will - time unravel

Before anyone Bolt-ed into conclusion
And call this a packed Body of Lies
Let's not give in to recrimination
Rather, cherish what we once had in the good times

The Day the Earth Stood Still
Happens not because of my will
Rather, I just never will be perfect
For your love for me to be a fact

I thought I know All About Women
Not making the distinction between Angels and Demons
To The Uninvited aboard the ship
Hire Watchmen; an advice you should heed
For I'm all Fired Up for retribution, it ain't spurious
Make no mistake, it'll come Fast and Furious

Julian/Julien

Recently, I got a reply to an e-mail I sent to a supplier and this guy replied with the honorific Miss before my name! How'd this guy know I'm a female (I'm not)? The following, from Wikipedia, partially list the names (except Julian May) of people having the name Julian/Julien. There are chemists, humanist, biologist, actor, emperor, saint, musician, athlete and even a 70's porn actor. King Julien in Madagascar do sound like a male to me. So, for the last time, it's a male name!

Didius Julianus
Sabinus Iulianus
Julian the Apostate
Julianus ben Sabar
Julian, count of Ceuta

St. Julian of Toledo
Julian, bishop of Zaragoza
St. Julian the Hospitaller
Julian of Antioch
Julian, a companion of Saint Lucian of Beauvais

Percy Lavon Julian
Julian
Julian Cannonball Adderley
Julian Austin
Julian Austin
Julian Barnes
Julian Barrattn
Julian Bond
Julian Bream
Julian Casablancas
Julian Clary
Julian Cope
Julian Glover
Julian Golley
Julian Hartridge
Julian Hodge
Julian Huxley
Julian Illingworth
Julian Jaynes
Julian Lennon
Julian Lloyd Webber
Julian Marle
Julian May, American fiction writer (female)
Julian McMahon
Julian Mitchell
Julián Morrison
Julian Morrow
Julian Myerscough
Julian Opie
Julian Rachlin
Julian Rhind-Tutt
Julian Sands

Human Rights: Right Minds Think Alike

Thought it'd be great to share the words of some well known figures on human rights...

"Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic
dream."

- L. Ron Hubbard


"Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind.
It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity
of man."

- Mohandas K. Gandhi


"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice
everywhere."

- Martin Luther King Jr.


"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death
your right to say it."

- Francois Marie de Voltaire


"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable
Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of
Happiness."

- US Declaration of Independence written primarily by Thomas
Jefferson

Come December 10, it'd mark the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but such values seem to skip the minds of governments not fully implementing the UDHR

Then and now - Labour all the same

I believe that every man and woman has gone through, specifically, life as a student. Now, we can always expect two things from these people: 1) They'd make sure you live what they had lived or 2) They'd motivate you saying "I've been thru this, and I symphatize with you". Now listen...". The former does say "I understand" but in the manner of if-I-can-do-it-so-can-you. See?

Now, allow me to give a real example: There's this academician in university whose perception of the world is still ticking in the 70s and 80s. Says: "there's no such thing as no time but there is this thing called bad time management". Hello, we're not robots. Many a times, nary a word was said to compliment the amount of labour done. I said labour because of the long hours put in and the amount of task to be completed. Daily, it's a 12-hour (with a 20-minute break for lunch) crunch and if lucky, it's 12 minus 2. And what was said? "It's your job."

At this point, one may think students are cry babies but no. We're not after our supervisors to cuddle us and sing to us. We'd use a word of appreciation. Don't tell me "that's life, the world is like that, that's varsity life"! It's this kind of people that make the world hell.

Yeah, stop complaining and get back to work eh? Maybe you'd just stop comparing us to the 80s and show some kindness. Who says this generation is lazy and not up to par? Well, maybe there are - I've seen. Bah!

Abandon ship!

The man at the helm
Steering tirelessly for over 2 decades
Going through storms and waves
O'er bergs and raging seas
Into tranquility
Greeted by the golden rays of sunshine.

The man at the helm
Steering tirelessly for over 2 decades
Into the age of development
Of Science and of Technology
Achievements after achievements
Are recorded in the pages of history
From the highest peak to the sub-zero pole
Thus, we are no more behind
But are known to the world.

The man at the helm
Steering tirelessly for over 2 decades
Going against gravity
When everything's down and flat
Rising again by our own effort
Holding on to our Vision and the 'Malaysia Boleh' spirit
Setting an example for the Third World nations.

The man at the helm
Steering tirelessly for over 2 decades
A great captain he is
Gaining honour; earning respect wherever he sails
We owe it to him and his crew
Who made this country the best place to live in
Although the leadership is passed on
The ship never stops sailing
Memories to be cherished
He is the living hero; the national hero.
Beloved Captain, we salute thee!

We're now well-known for all the wrong reasons. Then there's this statesman undoing things he's done for the last 2 decades. Bravo! A toast to the captain and thence a toss overboard.

I didn't choose this life, it chose me

Today’s headline on Benazir Bhutto’s assassination came as a big shock to me outside the petrol station. I stood there staring at the screaming papers; couldn't believe what I’ve just read.

Not that I’m a political science scholar but then I do keep up with the current affairs of the world at large – political issues especially. Being a lady and all, taking on political leaders for her country really gained my admiration.

Never have I come across someone like her (maybe I have: in rhetorical speeches by our local politicians) who addresses her supporters and the people with such spirit, courage, and passion. In a country consisting of people having different ideologies running the gamut from secular to moderate to religious fundamentalism – and recent unrests involving the latter – Bhutto spoke without fear against extremism and meddling of Pakistani affairs by foreign powers.

Like all who have said it, let not democracy be killed. Even now, conspiracy theories abound but digressions aside, I could only heave a sigh each time I thought of her and her not being around anymore. Shalom.